EDITORIAL: Proposed meat plant needs economic decision

By Enterprise editorial staff

Published 4:00 am, Friday, July 1, 2016

Don't be surprised if a proposed slaughterhouse is never built in Hardin County. We're not talking about a water park or petting zoo. Although most of us eat meat, the place where animals transition from farm to food is kind of, well, unpleasant. The same facility was not welcomed in Port Arthur, which is the only reason its owners started looking for other locations.

But if Riceland Farms ever settles on a location in Kountze, Silsbee or Lumberton, the final decision should be based on rational economic factors - not anti-Muslim hysteria or misinformation spread on social media.

Moreover, people like Silsbee Economic Development Corp. Director Jacquetta Walker are only doing their jobs when they facilitate proposals for this business or any other. They shouldn't be subjected to personal threats, and neither should anyone else connected with this project.

If a site in the region is chosen, the appropriate city council or county commissioners should vet the proposal for its possible impact from odor, flies or sewage problems.

Company officials have also pledged to hold a community forum if a local site is chosen, and they should adhere to that pledge and be transparent. Any business deserves a chance to makes its case, especially one that could employ up to 200 people.

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With a specific proposal on the table, that would be the perfect time to ask hard questions about hiring or any other issue. Then and only then, when public officials and area residents have all the pertinent information, should a final decision be made.

If the plant isn't a good fit for Southeast Texas, that's OK. But the region doesn't have a shortage of people who need jobs or taxpaying businesses, so any serious business proposal is worth considering.